Nestor Cortes is on track to return to the mound for the New York Yankees if the team advances to the World Series.

Cortes, 29, hasn't pitched in a game since Sept. 18 because of a flexor strain in his pitching elbow.

"I think he's at least a realistic option," Aaron Boone said. "Not saying for sure, but the timeline lines up to where if things go well, he could definitely be an option."

Cortes is 9-10 with a 3.77 ERA. He could throw batting practice again this weekend.